A new species of wild cat has been identified in Bolivia's cloud forest, marking the first time a new living cat species has been formally named and described in more than a century. Genetic data confirmed that the spotted feline, known scientifically as Leopardus tilcayo, is a new species that had been long mistaken for its relatives.
Called the Tilcayo by local communities, the cat is part of a group of tiger cats found across much of South America. The animal is smaller than the average domestic cat, measuring around 45 to 46 centimeters long and weighing approximately 1.4 kilograms. Due to its diminutive size, the wild cat was initially mistaken for a pet.
The species inhabits the lush Yungas forest in Bolivia. This mountainous region is characterized by high humidity and forests that are often covered by clouds.